Shots fired near Lolo Peak fire, road block in place

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By KPAX News

LOLO — The Missoula County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday afternoon that?a hard closure?is in place at Highway 12 and Mill Creek Road due to multiple disruptions to fire fighting suppression efforts.

The MCSO says that a "hard closure"?means that a road block is in place, and that?if any residents are found to be off their private property at any time they will be escorted to the end of the road block and not allowed back in.

"Offensive or threatening behavior towards firefighters by residents who have chosen not to leave under the evacuation order will not be tolerated," the MCSO said in a statement.?"The work that is being done by firefighters is dangerous and time sensitive, please be patient and allow them to help us protect our community."?

Authorities previously confirmed with MTN News Wednesday that shots were fired Wednesday morning in the Mill Creek area near the Lolo Peak fire.

Missoula County Sheriff's Office Captain Bill Burt says that an older man was apparently doing some recreational shooting -- an incident that forced fire crews to leave the area.

The shooting of any firearms is prohibited under the Stage II Fire Restrictions that are in effect for Missoula County.

Authorities?have not yet determined if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

Authorities have confirmed with MTN News that shots were fired Wednesday morning in the Mill Creek area near the Lolo Peak fire.

Missoula County Sheriff's Office Captain Bill Burt says that an older man was apparently doing some recreational shooting -- an incident that forced fire crews to leave the area.

The shooting of any firearms is prohibited under the Stage II Fire Restrictions that are in effect for Missoula County.

Authorities?have not yet determined if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.

- information from Augusta McDonnell.

Under STAGE II the Following Acts are prohibited:

Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. except as otherwise described below:

Operating any internal combustion engine.

Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Using an explosive. (a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following the cessation of all activities.)

Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions to Stage II Restrictions:

Persons with a written permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act.

Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.? Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within three feet of the device.

Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.

Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.

Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.